Ace Hardware acquires local franchise Bishop Ace across central Illinois

Claire Grant, Springfield State Journal- Register

Three Sangamon County Ace hardware stores are being bought out by Ace Hardware Retail from the longtime local owners, Lucy Stafford and George Preckwinkle.

On May 9, a division of the Ace Hardware corporation announced the agreement to acquire Bishop Ace Hardware, a local 13-store chain in central Illinois which partnered with Ace in 1960.

Bishop Ace owns and operates the Ace Hardware store in Chatham on North Main Street and two Springfield Ace Hardwares on North Walnut Street and Wabash Avenue. The buyout will be completed on July 28 of this year with the transition.

It is unclear what the fiscal amount for the chain was paid.

These three locations and several more across Illinois will not shut down but instead be transitioned into new ownership while retaining the Ace branding.

Current product, store setup and store management will not be changed, meaning there will be no layoffs of employees.

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“Bishop Ace Hardware has always placed a priority on making sure that customers throughout Illinois are provided with the products, support, and world-class service that is the cornerstone of the Ace brand,” President and CEO of Ace Retail Holdings Joe Jeffries said in a news release. “Their passion for the hardware business has created a tradition of excellence that is truly inspiring.”

The Illinois hardware chain started in 1961 as Bishop Hardware and Supply was founded by George T. and Rosalee Preckwinkle in Springfield, who’s family still operate the location at 214 N. Walnut St.

In central Illinois, the 13 Bishop Ace Hardware stores shifting management to Ace Hardware from local ownership are:

  • Carlinville: 111 East 1st North

  • Dwight: 104 Watters Drive

  • Havana: 207 W. Main St.

  • Hillsboro: 300 Springfield

  • Jacksonville: 900 W. Morton St.

  • Lincoln: 521 North Kickapoo

  • Normal: 204 East College

  • Pittsfield: 901 W. Fayette St.

  • Pontiac: 203 East Livingston

  • Taylorville: 1713 Spresser

“We’re not just selling hardware; we’re helping customers improve their lives with advice and quality products. Our connection with our customers is deeper than just sales,” Stafford said in a news release. “As we hand over the reins, we are confident our shared values will help ensure the continuation of the high level of customer service and community involvement we have always strived for as a family business.”

Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative with locally owned franchises. The corporation owns 178 stores across Illinois and over 5,700 hardware stores in 60 countries.

Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for the State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Ace Hardware purchases 13 local chain store locations across central Illinois

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